Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Parched

Although I generally use my computer to type, I still love writing things down with a good pen. There is a sense of satisfaction each time I get the opportunity to use good writing paper, delicate stationary, and/or thick linen note cards.  I can easily spend hours inside office supply and copy shops pouring over the office/stationary sections.  Why?  Because I love the way thin delicate tissue paper feels in my hands, the smell of expensive ink on paper, and heavy pens that curl into my hand.  And though I have great affection for expensive paper and old fashioned penmanship, my love affair with books is far greater.  Drop me off at a book store and I can happily spend hours (if not days) roaming the shelves and reading that which intrigues me.

Over the last few years many consumers have opted to forgo paperbacks in favor of electronic books (i.e. Kindle, I pad, etc.).  While I understand the convenience and allure of these types of devices (and I certainly wouldn't pass up the opportunity to own one), there is something to be said for holding the actual book in your own hands.  I love each one of the books I own dearly and have never been able to part with them (despite the plethora of used  book stores that would happily buy them back).  Without books lining the walls of my bookshelves my rooms would seem naked.  In fact, if I had a room to do with what I pleased I would create a floor to ceiling library (yes an actual library would be my "dream room").  Does this sound a bit bookish?  Too librarian?  Perhaps.  I am not ashamed to admit it....books have been my constant companion since I learned to read.  They have been my confidantes, my heroes, my lovers, and my friends.  Books have introduced me to eras from long ago and places I might otherwise never have known.  Through books I have lived many lives-some tragic, some passionate.  Because of books I am the person I am today...

"A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted.  You should live several lives while reading it." 

-William Styron

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